Too many things to do, not enough time…
I am sure I am not the only one who sometimes finds herself frustrated when I have a long list of things to do and not enough time to complete them all.
Apart from having a long list, I have more ideas that keep occurring to me. Although one could think that that is very helpful, sometimes being blessed with too many ideas can also feel like a curse. The more ideas keep coming to me, my mind is more occupied and I find myself distracted from one task, as there is plenty more I can concentrate on… so frustration comes again…this time because I am not effectively using my time to complete what I have started.
Sound familiar?
Wait, there is more…
Do you have a perfectionist within you that sometimes wakes up and says “this is not good enough”, “you can do better than that”? As every task can always be improved, now, procrastination kicks in. Rather than completing the task I am working on, now I am looking for ways to improve it which can distract me for days from achieving the finished result.
There are a few things that I do to help me find focus and help me more effectively complete my tasks. I hope you will find them useful too.
Think on paper
Before you get on with any task, spend some time on planning and setting your priorities. Sometimes people may think that sitting down and taking time to think about what they need to do is not as productive as taking action, but the point they are missing is the fact that unless they have a very clear direction, they are likely to be distracted along the way and waste a lot of time. Take time to capture your ideas as the quicker you will have it done, the quicker you can get started to achieve them.
Set your priorities using ABC Method
Brian Tracy talks about a very simple priority setting technique that I believe is very effective.
Once you have a list of things to do, place an A, B, or C before each item on your list before you begin the first task.
"A" stands for "very important" something you must do otherwise there might be some negative or serious consequences if the task is not completed.
"B" stands for "important" something you should do. There might be some negative, mild consequences if the task is not completed. B tasks are not as important as A tasks.
"C" stands for things that are "nice to do" If not completed, there are no negative consequences. C task is not as important as 'A' or 'B,' tasks.
When deciding what letter you are going to put by each task, think about your goals and objectives so that the priorities you set are moving you in the direction of something that is of real value to you.
Once you have determined your ABC tasks, prioritize these tasks by writing A-1, A-2, A-3, and so on in front of each item. Your A-1 task is the biggest and most important task you need to complete. Do the same for B and C items. You should never do a "B" task when there is an "A" task left undone.
Avoid distractions and discipline yourself
If you are lacking self discipline, you are not the only one! People can always find distractions and “more important” things to do that will stop them or pull aside from achieving their task.
Rather than beating yourself up about being distracted, making excuses or feeling sorry for yourself, build in discipline to every task you do. Promise yourself to do nothing else until this one job is complete. Make a conscious decision and ask yourself the question: “How will I feel when I achieve my goal” or “What consequences will I face if do not complete my task”
Keep your end goal in mind and imagine how satisfied and happy you will feel when you complete the task. Say no to all distractions and focus on accomplishing your priorities. If you feel really stuck and your inspiration is gone, have a quick break to take your mind off things, maybe talk to a like minded friend to bounce some ideas off, go for a quick walk, take a deep breath and come back to the task refreshed and more stimulated.
Once you start completing tasks that matter to you and add value, as opposed to tasks that take your time but don’t give you desired results you will feel enthusiastic, motivated and satisfied by achieving your goals.
Reward yourself
When you complete the task, reward yourself for doing well. Your reward could be anything from words of encouragement “Well done”, a cup of hot chocolate, a walk, hot bubble bath or watching a movie with someone whose company you enjoy. Do something you like.
Although there is never enough time to do everything, there is always enough time to do the most important things, so make sure you choose your tasks wisely!
Good luck!
